Milad un Nabi

Milad-un-Nabi is an important Islamic festival that celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is also known as Eid Milad-un-Nabi festival and is observed with devotion and joy by Muslims around the world.
The day is filled with prayers, sermons, and gatherings that focus on the Prophet’s teachings and his message of peace, kindness, and truth.
The Festival’s Meaning

The term Milad means birth, and Miladi Nabi meaning refers to the birth of the Prophet. The tradition of celebrating this day began in the early days of Islam, when followers would hold special gatherings to honour the Prophet’s life. These events often included religious songs, poetry, and public prayers.
In 1588, the Ottoman Empire officially declared it a holiday and named it Mevlid Kandil. In many Islamic countries today, the term Mawlid is also used to mark the birthdays of saints and religious leaders.

How People Celebrate

• Mosques and homes are beautifully decorated with lights and banners.
• Processions are carried out peacefully in many cities.
• People listen to stories from the Prophet’s life.
• Free food, sweets, and gifts are distributed to the poor and needy.
• Milad-un-Nabi 2025 brings communities together and reminds everyone to live with compassion, honesty, and humility—just like the Prophet did.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025: Date & Observance

Historical Significance of Milad-un-Nabi

Milad-un-Nabi festival, also known as Id-e-Milad, is not just a day of celebration but a significant event in the history of Islam that honours the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Its origin can be traced back to the early days of Islamic civilization. During this time, religious sessions were held to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad, often including songs and poems in his praise. In 1588, the Ottoman Turks declared this day an official holiday and named it Mevlid Kandil, further spreading the celebration of this event across the Islamic world. The term Mawlid became associated with the birthdays of revered historical and religious figures, including saints and Sufis.

The celebration of Milad-un-Nabi spread from private gatherings in the 8th century to public events by the 12th century. Initially celebrated by Shia Muslims, the Sunni community later embraced the festival, and by the 15th century, it was widely accepted. The early celebrations often had a Sufi influence, and many regions began observing national holidays in their honour by the 20th century. The tradition has grown stronger with time, and the Miladi Nabi festival is now a major event in the Islamic calendar, bringing people together in worship, celebration, and reflection on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Cultural Practices and Traditions During Milad-un-Nabi

The cultural practices associated with Milad-un-Nabi reflect the joy and reverence Muslims feel today. Families and communities celebrate, such as visiting mosques, reciting prayers, and sharing meals. One of the most beloved traditions is the distribution of sweets, particularly honey-based dishes, as it is believed to have been the Prophet's favourite food. Sweets like Baklava and Seviyan are prepared and shared with friends, family, and neighbours as a gesture of goodwill and festivity.

In addition to food, another significant tradition is the recitation of Maulaud, a song sung in praise of Prophet Muhammad. This song is considered to bring good fortune and reflects Muslims' devotion to their Prophet. Mosques host special gatherings, where Muslims come to offer prayers, listen to lectures about the Prophet’s life, and engage in discussions about his teachings. These events foster a sense of community while also reinforcing the values and principles of Islam.

Another important aspect of the festival is the attire worn during Milad-un-Nabi. Men typically wear traditional Kurta and Pyjamas, while women dress in Abaya, Jilbab, and Dupatta. These traditional garments symbolise modesty and respect, central values in Islam, particularly on a day as significant as the Prophet’s birthday.

How Milad-un-Nabi is Celebrated Across Different Regions

Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated with various customs and traditions that differ across regions, yet the core theme remains the same—honouring the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad. In India, the celebrations are grand, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where the festivities are extensive, and the atmosphere is filled with religious fervour. Kashmir is considered one of the best places to witness Milad-un-Nabi, with special events hosted at mosques, including processions and religious sermons.

In countries like Egypt and Turkey, the festival is known as Mawlid and is marked by large gatherings in mosques and public spaces. Distributing sweets is also prevalent in these regions, and religious scholars discuss the significance of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. In Morocco and other parts of North Africa, the day is celebrated with music, poetry, and spiritual chants, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Islamic world.

Meanwhile, processions and street decorations are a major part of the celebrations in Pakistan and Bangladesh. People decorate their homes and mosques with lights, and large public prayers are held. The unity and joy seen during these festivities highlight the event's significance for Muslims worldwide, who come together to remember the life of the Prophet and the principles he stood for.

Major Attractions of Milad-un-Nabi

1. Within the Muslim community, Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated as a day of festivities and fun. Most people celebrate in various ways, such as visiting mosques, distributing sweets, spending quality time with the family, singing, and indulging in arts and lectures. 

2. Distribution of Sweets - On Milad-un-Nabi, Muslims express their happiness by distributing sweets to their neighbours, family, and friends. However, honey is one of the most commonly distributed foods among Muslims on this day. This is mainly because many scholars believed honey was their Prophet's favourite food. 

3. Visiting Mosques - On this day, Muslims don’t miss visiting the mosque at all to offer their prayers. After participating in the prayers, people generally indulge in discussions about Muhammad and his life. 

4. Singing - The special occasion also witnessed the Muslim community singing joyfully and happily. Among all the tracks, one of the major and most popular songs is Maulaud. As per the traditional values of Islam, singing this song brings good luck and also reaffirms the devotee's loyalty to God. 

Famous Food and Clothing for Id-e-Milad/Milad-un-Nabi

Milad-un-Nabi holds a very special place in the Muslim community. On this day, people prepare a variety of delicacies to distribute to their friends and for their consumption. Some of the most popular sweets are Baklava and Seviyan, which are essentially prepared with many other delightfully scrumptious sweets. The Muslim men generally wear Kurta and Pyjama, and the women go with Abaya, Jilbab, and Dupatta. 

Conclusion

Milad-un-Nabi holds immense religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, fostering a sense of unity, compassion, and devotion among the community. Whether through prayers, distributing sweets, or participating in mosque gatherings, this day is a powerful reminder of the values that Prophet Muhammad stood for.

PLEASE NOTE: Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milad-Un-Nabi

Q1. Is Id-e-Milad a public holiday in India in 2025?
A.Yes, Id-e-Milad is a gazetted public holiday in most parts of India in 2025. However, it may not be observed in a few states. On this day, schools, colleges, offices, and many Islamic businesses remain closed.

Q2. What traditional foods are commonly shared during Id-e-Milad celebrations?
A.During Id-e-Milad, people prepare and share special sweets like Sheer Kurma, Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding), and other festive dishes. These are enjoyed at family meals and community gatherings.

Q3. How do Id-e-Milad celebrations vary across different cultures?
A.Id-e-Milad is celebrated differently around the world. Some regions organise large public processions, decorate streets, and hold religious events. Others observe it quietly at home with prayers, family get-togethers, and recitations from the life of the Prophet.

Q4. How is Id-e-Milad celebrated in India?
A.In India, Id-e-Milad is marked by religious gatherings, street decorations, and community feasts. Sunni and Shia Muslims may observe the day on different dates. In some cities, people display holy relics and participate in peaceful rallies.

Q5. What are some notable places to visit in India during Eid Milad?
A.In Mumbai, key places to visit include:

• Haj House for religious meetings
• Mohammed Ali Road for festive shopping
• Minara Masjid for beautiful decorations
• Central Mumbai for processions and cultural events

Q6. What is the significance of the green flags and ribbons used during Id-e-Milad?
A.Green flags and ribbons are common during Id-e-Milad. Green is a symbolic colour in Islam, representing peace, paradise, and respect for the Prophet. Streets, mosques, and homes are decorated with these as a sign of devotion.